When I sat down with Prithi Pal Singh Basra, one of New Zealand’s most respected Sikh leaders, I was struck by the calm dignity he carries and the depth of his lifelong commitment to service. For decades, Basra has been a guiding light for Sikhs across the country—building institutions, fostering unity, and promoting peace among different communities. Our conversation offered a window into his remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a pillar of New Zealand’s multicultural society.
“I arrived in New Zealand 57 years ago, when the Indian community was still very small,” Basra recalls. “Life wasn’t easy, but step by step we built everything—our families, our businesses, and most importantly, our community.”
Prithi Pal Basra recently supported the Indian Consulate in organising a series of events marking India’s 79th Independence Day at his spacious North Shore motel, which also served as the venue for several business meetings, planning sessions, and media briefings
His early years were spent in Pukekohe, where many of the first Indian migrants settled. Over time, he immersed himself in community life, eventually serving as President of the Pukekohe Indian Association. “It was never about holding positions,” he says modestly. “It was about making sure our people had a voice and a place where we felt at home.”
One of his most enduring contributions is the Gurudwara Shri Dashmesh Darbar in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. Basra played a central role in establishing the gurdwara, which today is not only a spiritual centre but also a hub for cultural learning, social gatherings, and the free community kitchen (Langar).
“For Sikhs, the gurdwara is more than a place of worship,” he explains. “It is where we serve, learn, and connect. Seeing it thrive in New Zealand makes me proud—not for myself, but for our community.”
As the Sikh population in New Zealand grew, Basra recognised the need for unified representation. “We had many gurdwaras and organisations, but when it came to national issues like immigration, education, or interfaith dialogue, we lacked one collective voice.”
This vision became reality in 2022 with the creation of the New Zealand Central Sikh Association (NZCSA), which united 25 gurdwaras, sports clubs, and cultural organisations. Basra was unanimously elected as its first Chairman.
“Our goal is to serve all Sikhs in New Zealand, regardless of which gurdwara they belong to,” he says firmly. “Unity gives us strength, and through NZCSA we can represent our people at the highest level.”
Basra’s decades of service were formally acknowledged in 1998 when he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. When asked how he felt receiving the award, he responds with characteristic humility:
“It wasn’t just for me—it was for the Sikh and Indian community. Recognition means our contributions are valued in mainstream New Zealand, and that is important.”
In recent years, his efforts have extended beyond Sikh affairs. In 2022, he became Chairman of United Communities for Peace, an interfaith initiative uniting Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, and other leaders.
“Harmony doesn’t come by itself,” he says. “We must work for it. By building bridges, we can tackle issues like hate, misinformation, and social division. New Zealand is a beautiful country, and we must protect its peace.”
Beyond interfaith work, Basra has spoken up on humanitarian concerns. From supporting Afghan Sikhs and Hindus in crisis to advocating for fair immigration and residency policies, he has consistently placed human welfare at the centre of his leadership.
“When people are suffering—be they Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, or anyone else—we must stand with them. That is the Sikh principle of seva, selfless service.”
As our conversation turned to the future, Basra highlighted three challenges: engaging the youth, ensuring transparency in community organisations, and preserving unity amidst diversity.
On being asked about those who indulge in anti-India activities in New Zealand, Basra was clear: “No individual or group should try to impose its views on others. We must learn to respect different perspectives and live cohesively and peacefully without harming anyone. You will always face challenges, but you are always better off united.”
He is equally passionate about preparing the next generation. “Our youth must feel connected both to their Indian heritage and to New Zealand life. We need to pass on values of service, equality, and hard work. At the same time, organisations must remain accountable so that people trust and participate in them.”
In Prithi Pal Singh Basra, New Zealand has more than a Sikh leader—it has a statesman of the community, whose quiet determination has left an enduring mark on the country’s multicultural story. -as told to Yugal Parashar